Pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford takes on Egidijus Kavaliauskas in Saturday’s top boxing match. Before Crawford – Kavaliauskas, Teofimo Lopez looks to wrest away Richard Commey’s IBF World Championship. Lopez will be tested for class. In addition, Josue Vargas and Michael Conlan are both in action. Check out previews and picks for those 4 fights along with a couple of great matchups on the Golden Boy Facebook Watch live stream from Mexicali!
Top Boxing Betting Picks for the Week – December 9th Edition
Roger Gutierrez vs Andres Tapia
- Junior Lightweights – 10 Rounds
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14
- Where: Mexicali, Mexico
- Live Stream: Golden Boy Facebook Watch
Tapia is 16-7-3 with 9 knockouts. The 26-year-old faces a more accomplished fighter on Dec. 14. Roger Gutierrez is 23-3-1. He’s fought against better fighters like Oscar Duarte and Eduardo Hernandez. Guiterrez’s experience leads him to a victory in this.
Boxing Betting Pick: Roger Gutierrez
Diego De La Hoya vs Renson Robles
- Featherweights – 10 Rounds
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14
Josue Vargas vs Noel Murphy
- Junior Welterweights – 10 Rounds
- Where: New York, NY
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14
- TV: ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN+
Josue Vargas and Noel Murphy kick off the main card in New York on Saturday. The 15-1 Vargas has run off 9 straight wins. Noel Murphy is 14-1. His record doesn’t reflect the same strength. Murphy has a draw and a loss in 2 of his last 3. Vargas rolls.
Boxing Betting Pick: Josue Vargas
Michael Conlan vs Vladimir Nikitin
- Featherweights – 10 Rounds
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14
Conlan produced another “impressive” victory in his last. He beat Diego Alberto Ruiz via TKO. We must put impressive in quotes because the 12-0 Conlan has yet to fight a gifted boxer. Is Vladimir Nikitin that gifted boxer? He is. He beat Conlan in Rio in 2016. But, Nikitin’s style doesn’t translate to the pro ranks. Unless Michael lets Vladimir get into his head, Conlan should keep him at length for a win.
Boxing Betting Pick: Michael Conlan
Richard Commey vs Teofimo Lopez Jr.
- IBF Lightweight Title – 12 Rounds
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14
This could end up the Fight of the Year. Lopez has a 14-0 record. He’s knocked out 11 of his opponents. Commey is 29-2 with 26 knockouts. Even though Lopez is undefeated, he hasn’t stepped into the ring versus a fighter as talented as the champ. Commey has close to a 3-inch reach advantage. Expect the champ to use all 3-inches to get the win.
Boxing Betting Pick: Richard Commey
Terence Crawford vs Egidijus Kavaliauskas
- WBO Welterweight Title – 12 Rounds
- When: Saturday, Dec. 14
Although Crawford will run circles around the 31-year-old Lithuanian, Kavaliauskas has a great chin. So, once prop wagers come out on this fight, don’t back Crawford for the early knockout. Expect Egidjus to make Terence work.
Boxing Betting Pick: Terence Crawford
